Queensland Local Government Election rules revamped

Amendments to the Queensland Local Government Act to allow mayors and councillors to stand for state parliament without having to resign to contest the election have been welcomed by local government.
 
State Parliament's Law, Justice and Safety Committee has released its report with 33 key recommendations on the running of future council elections.
 
Other recommendations include a cap on election expenditure, the introduction of divisions for all local councils with a populations exceeding 30,000 and a ban on radio and television advertising for local government elections in the three days prior to an election.
 
Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully, Queensland's longest-serving city councillor,  said the proposal to allow mayors and councillors to nominate for state parliament without first resigning from council overturned the "unfair and undemocratic laws" introduced by Peter Beattie in 2001. 

Cr Tully said Mr Beattie had a "love-hate" relationship with local government, forcing through unpopular amalgamations and preventing most councillors seeking higher political office.
 
"The Committee Chair Barbara Stone and the other members ought to be congratulated in standing up for the democratic rights of all Queenslanders including the 73 mayors and other councillors across the state.
 
"If the Bligh government accepts these recommendations, it will be a giant step forward for democracy in Queensland and will be the first major policy decision of the Beattie era overturned by the Bligh government."
 
In another recommendation, the Committee rejected plans to introduce a property franchise in Queensland which would have allowed non-residents to vote in council elections.
 
Cr Tully said this would have been the "thin edge of the wedge" allowing cashed-up property owners who live interstate to influence local council elections in Queensland.
 
In a blow to the Greens, the Committee decided against recommending the introducing of a senate-style proportional representation voting system for Queensland local government elections.
 
The committee noted the "harmonisation of voting systems across all levels of government may go a long way towards reducing the level of informal voting by Queensland voters".
 
Cr Tully called on the state government to retain optional preferential voting for local government.
 
"It is fair, democratic and easily understood by voters and has lead to a dramatic reduction in the level of informal votes at council elections in Queensland."
 
Other key recommendations are:
 
• Retaining the last Saturday in March as the quadrennial council election date
 
• Retention of compulsory voting for Queensland council elections
 
• Mayors to continue to be elected by the people
 
• Simplified procedures for absentee voting in council elections
 
ends

REPORT NO. 78:
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/committees/LCARC.asp?SubArea=reports

Yankee disgrace: US toymaker Hasbro scraps plan to launch Transformer Spastic in the UK

US toymaker Hasbro will not launch its latest Transformers model in the UK because of outrage over it being named "Spastic".

 

The company was reportedly shocked at the outcry in Britain after revealing the name online,  the Daily Mail said.

 

The term "spastic" is widely-used in the US as a casual word for clumsiness or to describe someone who is overexcited - but is seen as derogatory and politically incorrect in Britain and Australia.

 

The company said it "intended no offence by the use of the name 'Spastic'" and added that "it will not be available via traditional retail channels in Europe, including the UK."

 

"Our goal is to have all families who enjoy our brands feel good about their purchases and experiences," Hasbro added.

 

The toy will still go on sale with its original name in the US as planned in January.

 

Transformers is a toy line centred on two factions of warring alien robots. In a 26-year history, it has expanded to encompass comic books, animation, video games and movies.

 

 

CourierMail.com.au

Warrant for magistrate's mate | Ipswich News | Local News in Ipswich | Ipswich Queensland Times

http://www.qt.com.au/story/2010/11/13/warrant-issued-for-magistrates-mate/

Gold Coast developer Susanne Rae Percival banned for 10 years over $20 million scam

A Gold Coast property developer who conned more than 500 people out of
a total $20 million has been banned from the financial industry for 10
years.

Susanne Rae Percival was working for a legitimate finance company,
Adelaide-based AAA Shares Pty Ltd, when she convinced customers to
invest in numerous privately owned companies without disclosing her
conflict of interest.

Ms Percival then used the money to fund property development projects
undertaken by a series of businesses under the banner IC Group, which
she operated from Bundall on the Gold Coast.

Advertisement: Story continues below
She continued to provide the shonky investment advice for six years,
until the Australian Securities and Investments Commission launched an
investigation in late 2008.

By then she had raised more than $20 million from at least 500 investors.

According to ASIC, investor returns relied on the property development
companies generating profits that could be used to repay the
investment companies, which had on-lent the original funds at a higher
interest rate.

But from about 2008, many of the property development companies became
embroiled in financial difficulties and were placed into the hands of
receivers.

The properties were sold to repay the principal financier, the
National Australia Bank, and there was insufficient left to repay the
investment companies. They became insolvent, leaving the investors
empty-handed.

In a statement issued yesterday, ASIC said Ms Percival, who was
declared bankrupt on November 24 last year, had not warned potential
investors of the risks.

"Ms Percival failed to adequately explain the basis of her advice,
take into account many investors' personal circumstances, advise many
clients of the unsecured nature and risks of the proposed investment
or of her own interest in the financial products she was
recommending," the statement says.

"ASIC was also concerned that when recommending and assisting a number
of investors to transfer existing superannuation benefits into self
managed superannuation funds, Ms Percival failed to provide them with
the required comparative information regarding the switch costs and
obligations associated with conducting a self managed superannuation
fund.

"In a number of instances, Statements of Advice were not issued and
where they were issued, they often did not contain the above
prescribed information."

Ms Percival accepted an enforceable undertaking not to engage in
financial services until 2020.

BrisbaneTimes.com.au

NZ couple Tone and Dennis Munro fined $100,000 for Queensland real estate ripoff

Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading

The Honourable Peter Lawlor

11/11/2010

Real estate duo fined $100,000

A New Zealand couple who sold investment properties to Queensland residents has been hit with fines totalling $100,000 after being found guilty of misleading consumers in the Mackay Magistrates Court this week (9/11/10).

Tone Susann Munro, 60 was convicted and fined $60,000 and Dennis Leslie Munro, 58 was convicted and fined $40,000.

The court was told the pair sold house and land packages to unsuspecting investors in Mackay during 2007 and 2008, targeting residents through a display stand at a local shopping centre.

The court heard the duo deliberately misled potential buyers to make as many sales as they could. This included telling investors that pools and air-conditioning units were included in their building contracts when they weren't.

To induce buyers into signing contracts, it was falsely represented that they would receive rebates from the builders of up to $10,000. The builders had given no authority for these representations to be made.

Buyers were also told that the houses would be completed within six weeks when the actual construction time was about four months.

The Munro's also falsely claimed they were licensed with the Real Estate Institute of Queensland. Real estate agent licences are issued by the Office of Fair Trading, not the REIQ.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said it was important consumers dealt with a licensed real estate agent when looking at purchasing or selling property.

"Consumers and businesses can conduct a free search online at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au to check if a particular agent is licensed," he said.

"Queenslanders deserve to know they are dealing with reputable and licensed agents.

To check if a real estate agent is licensed, or for more information about breaches of fair trading law, consumers should contact Fair Trading on 13 74 68 or visiting the website, www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

..................................
COMMENT: The last thing the people of Australia expect is shady ripoff merchants from New Zealand conning unsuspecting consumers.
The NZ authorities should check the backgrounds of Mr and Mrs Munro.

Their visas should be revoked and they should be booted out of Australia as an example to other dubious conmen from New Zealand planning to come to Australia.

127 complaints against private Queensland Building Certifiers

Minister for Public Works and Information and Communication Technology

The Honourable Robert Schwarten

09/11/2010

Complaints against building certifiers only 0.15% of total inspections

The 127 complaints received by the Building Services Authority (BSA) about licensed building certifiers last year were just 0.15 per cent of the 87,000 residential construction projects that required the services of a building certifier, Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said today.

Mr Schwarten said although complaints rose from 85 in 2009, it was still a tiny fraction of the building development approvals for residential construction work by certifiers.

The rise in complaints about certifiers mirrors complaint increases in other sections of the building industry following the Global Financial Crisis.

"The BSA takes each and every complaint seriously and investigates it thoroughly," Mr Schwarten said.

"It assists homebuilders who have disputes with builders, certifiers and other building industry professionals," he said.

"None the less, the number of complaints about certifiers is very small compared with the total inspections done.

"The increase in complaints in the past year is due to the Global Financial Crisis, which is still impacting severely on the building industry.

"It also is due to homeowners' greater awareness of their rights through activities such as BSA Consumer Information Seminars."

Mr Schwarten was responding to information requested in Question Without Notice number 1919, asked by the Shadow Public Works spokesperson Jann Stuckey.

He said the 87,000 inspections figure did not include approvals for commercial work, owner-builder works and some approvals for alterations and additions.

The time taken to investigate complaints about certifiers has decreased from 200 to 155 business days in the past two years.

The complaint investigation process is rigorous and includes giving the certifier 30 days to respond to the complaint.

The BSA also is appointing additional staff to its complaints processing unit.

Building certifiers' functions include:

• assessing building development applications for compliance with a variety of building codes and government planning schemes;

• inspecting building work at various stages of construction to verify compliance with the plans, specifications and approvals issued;

• certifying building work by issuing inspection certificates, final inspection certificates and certificates of classification as may be relevant; and

• the power to take enforcement action against builders and home owners for breaches and/or matters of non-compliance with building development approvals.

AMP Capital Mt Ommaney Centre Management accused of Gestapo-like tactics

The 12.01am release on 9 November 2010 of Call of Duty Black Ops by EB Games has made headlines around the world.

But the release at the Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre in Brisbane's western suburbs, was marred by three security guards on duty to control some 30 anxious customers who were waiting for the witching hour to obtain their long awaited prize for a ripoff $120.

Outside the EB Games store, there are seats for customers located about 15 metres on either side of the store.

One parent who needed a breather for the 90 minute wait for his son to get his game decided to take a seat.

"Stop. You can't go there," roared the officious security guard.

"Why," the poor hen-pecked chap responded.

It was a decision by Centre Management the guard thundered.

But it was OK to sit on the other seat, an equal distance from the store - but not the first one.

Has the world gone completely crazy!

But the customer couldn't sit on the seat suggested by the security guard because a woman was flat out asleep across the whole seat.

That didn't seem to worry the security guard who couldn't seem to grasp the illogicality and stupidity of not allowing weary parents and potential purchasers to use both seats.

Then the parent enquired if he could take a photo of the store front with his son outside with his long-awaited purchase.

"No, that's contrary to AMP policy as well. They won't allow pictures of stores to be taken," the security guard roared.

Now, either the guard was smoking opium or AMP Capital Centre Management at Mt Ommaney are the worst centre managers in Australia.

Two seats - but you can sit on only one of them!

And very sorry, you cannot take a picture of your child outside the EB Games store on what was to be the happiest night of their life.

Denied a picture by a cruel and heartless Centre Management!

Whoever is in charge at AMP Capital Centre Management Mt Ommaney should be given the Royal Order of the Boot if the security guard's allegations are true.

And if the Little Hitler security guard's claims are not true - she should be given free membership for a year of Actors' Equity!

Qantas drama over Singapore

 

A QANTAS A380 has reportedly lost an engine after taking off from Singapore,with reports coming in that it has landed in Changi.

QF32 reportedly lost an engine after takeoff from Singapore for Sydney.

The aircraft then circled the airport before landing minutes ago.

A DFAT spokeswoman said the organisation had received reports of the incident but could not confirm any details at this stage.

"We've heard a report but we're waiting for details," she said.

"It's all a bit sketchy at the moment."

More: CourierMail.com.au

State Government clampdown on public nuisance offenders likely prompt usual LNP knee-jerk response

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services

The Honourable Neil Roberts

26/10/2010

PUBLIC NUISANCE TICKETING TO BE EXTENDED STATE-WIDE

The ability for police to issue tickets for public nuisance will be extended state-wide following State Parliament's passing of the Police Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 tonight, Police Minister Neil Roberts said.

Mr Roberts said public nuisance ticketing had been trialed for 12 months in the South Brisbane and Townsville Police districts following a recommendation from the Crime and Misconduct Commission.

"The Crime and Misconduct Commission's report, Policing Public Order: A review of the public nuisance offence identified ticketing as a viable option for dealing with public nuisance behaviour," Mr Roberts said.

"Griffith University evaluated the trial and concluded infringement notices were a cost-effective means of dealing with public nuisance offences.

"It found that during the trial period 46% of all persons ticketed had no previous criminal history - consistent with the CMC report findings that policing of public nuisance offending is focused on managing 'party people' in response to public concerns.

"The ability for police to issue infringement notices will be in addition to current actions available to police, including diversion, cautions, issue of move-on-directions, issue of notices to appear and arrest and charge.

"The issuing of infringement notices will reduce the necessity for offenders to be taken into police custody for relatively minor offences and enable police to spend less time on paperwork for public nuisance offenders and be available to perform operational duties."

Mr Roberts said that in implementing state-wide public nuisance ticketing, the Queensland Police Service would maximise the use of alternatives to enforcement action, where appropriate, to ensure ticketing did not unreasonably impact on vulnerable social groups.

This included conducting ongoing evaluation through an Operational Performance Review on Public Order Offending, 12 months after state-wide implementation.

"The Police Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 also amends the Prostitution Act 1999 to provide for the automatic suspension and cancellation of a licensee's licence or an approved manager's certificate on the non-payment of annual fees," Mr Roberts said.

"Some licensees and approved managers were of the view that because they had a three-year licence or certificate, they should not be required to pay annual fees.

"The Bill allows for the automatic 28-day suspension of a licence or an approved manager's certificate on the non-payment of the annual fees.

"If the licensee or approved manager fails to pay the outstanding fees within the suspension period or in accordance with a payment plan, their licence or certificate is cancelled."

The Bill also amends the Prostitution Act to strengthen the Prostitution Licensing Authority's disciplinary inquiries into licensees or approved managers, and ext ends criminal history checking of persons appointed to, or seeking appointment as a member of the PLA or persons employed or seeking employment as a staff member of the PLA.

"Finally the Bill amends the Police Service Administration Act 1999 to enable the electronic assessment of criminal history records for employment screening purposes," Mr Roberts said.

"This legislation balances the rights of individuals and the rights of the community to a safe and fair society by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the QPS and the PLA."

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Bendigo Bank comes good while McDonald's consumer ripoff in Australia is exposed over "touch and pay" credit cards

The introduction of "touch and pay" credit and debit card terminals across Australia is receiving a mixed response from consumers.

Under this system, the automatic card readers can approve a transaction - up to $100 - without any requirement for a PIN or a signature.

The potential for abuse or fraud is obvious.

If a credit or debit card is used fraudulently, a customer using the traditional signature authorisation has some comeback to prove that the signature was not theirs.

Under the new procedure, if a card is lost or stolen, the customer has little or no proof that he or she was not the user of the card.

McDonald's staff at Mt Ommaney in Brisbane - which has introduced this new system - are telling customers that if their card is fraudulently used, the customer will be legally liable for any loss.

It is absolutely scandalous for McDonald's to be washing their hands of any responsibility.

McDonald's introduce this system for their own benefit and if a card if used fraudulently, they don't want to know about it.

Of all the anti-consumer things McDonald's has done in Australia over the years, this one would take the cake.

McDonald's are acting like clowns on this issue which is likely to blow up in their face.

The only good news in this consumer shambles is the advice from the Bendigo Bank.

Bendigo Bank is taking a totally responsible and honourable approach to the fraudulent use of a credit or debit card in such circumstances.

Bendigo Bank advised one customer this week:

"If a merchant has adopted this service, the terminal will not prompt the customer for a PIN or signature. These small ticket transactions are considered a minimal fraud risk due to their low value and face to face environment. Any fraudulent activity made on the card for small ticket transactions will be investigated and covered by the cardholder's financial institution if found unauthorized."

Congratulations to the Bendigo Bank for this initiative but why should the Bank bear the loss while McDonald's - which adopts this system mainly for their own convenience - gets to keep the money from the fraudulent use of a credit or debit card?

McDonald's deserve one big Aussie raspberry over this.

Google travel search will revolutionise consumers' travel plans

Being your own travel agent via the internet is about to become easier through technology that will do more of the trawling for you.

STAND by for a new era of online travel research, where you can get options, prices, images and other key information with one quick search.

Google is experimenting with technology that will allow it to provide much richer search results, eliminating the need for consumers to trawl through multiple sources or cross-reference information from several sites.

Travellers will, for example, be able to look at a map and see actual prices for hotels in a given area (along with images and information on facilities and nearby attractions), with the ability to click through to make a reservation via a third-party booking site.

There will also be a new landscape for flight bookings if US regulators approve Google's purchase of software firm ITA, which specialises in the organisation of flight data.

Google is reluctant to comment on the potential of the software until the regulatory review is complete but industry commentators say the $US700 million ($725 million) purchase would change the face of flight searches. The technology would act as a "meta-search" engine, scouring the internet for the best deals and presenting the data in a way that is easier for consumers to view and compare.

Commentators say it would take on existing meta-search sites such as Kayak and Skyscanner, which search across multiple websites for fares and other travel deals.

Google has categorically stated it is not getting into the business of selling travel (doing so would jeopardise its advertising revenue) but is aiming to dramatically improve the search experience, which it believes is far from ideal.

Consumers currently need to go through several different sites to find detailed information and pricing but the ITA software would allow for much richer information at the initial search stage.

"ITA offers a lot of technology that we don't currently have and a lot of expertise in the travel sector," says the head of the travel group for Google Australia, Nikolai Pitchforth.

Pitchforth says travel-related searches in Australia are up 20 per cent and 80 per cent of these searches are for very specific queries. Whereas someone might once have searched for "Sydney hotels", they might now be looking for "boutique Sydney hotels with a swimming pool".

Consumers have become more demanding of travel suppliers and expect niche rather than mass audience information. Pitchforth says one of the biggest trends over the past year has been a four-fold increase in the use of mobile internet and applications, through smartphones and devices such as iPads.

"It's something that has been talked about in the travel arena for some time but recently we've really seen it take off," Pitchforth says. Many travel companies have created mobile versions of their websites and Webjet recently launched a full iPhone application for domestic flight bookings.

The Australian market can also expect to see much greater use of video content, map content and social media. "I think we'll see more and more travel companies trying to provide a richer source of content," Pitchforth says.

A study by market research firm TNS has found the majority of Australians are now confident making online bookings with established travel brands. One in two Australians say they book travel online because they believe it is cheaper, while nearly a third believe online travel information is more reliable than traditional off-line sources.

Only a quarter believe the service of online travel agencies is not as good as traditional travel agents, while less than 20 per cent believe online bookings are only for experienced travellers.

"Digital is for everyone these days," says the director of travel and leisure research at TNS, Carolyn Childs.

There has been much debate on the future of traditional travel agents in this environment.

Pitchforth says consumers once used the internet to supplement information from travel agents but this situation has reversed, with travel agents being used to supplement information found online.

Is the death knell sounding or will travel agents survive in a changed form?

Pitchforth says traditional agents are still very much in play for "non-routine" bookings.

"I think there might have been an assumption that people either use online sources or they use offline sources but we're seeing people using a multitude of sources, both online and offline," he says.

"I think it's more that the role of a travel agent will change, to become more of an adviser."

Expedia has rivals riled

The global nature of online travel is creating some interesting challenges around licensing and consumer protection. Webjet and other travel agencies are furious that Expedia is being allowed to operate in the Australian market without an Australian travel agent's licence and membership of the industry's compulsory consumer protection scheme.

Expedia says it is not eligible for an Australian licence or participation in the Travel Compensation Fund but industry observers note that Zuji, also foreign-owned, does comply with Australian licensing.

BrisbaneTimes.com.au

This week's flooding brings back memories of the 1974 flood in southeast Queensland

Queensland Police Disgrace over brutal attacks

Why has nothing happened to the cops who stood idly by and did nothing to stop the brutal attacks by crooked Queensland cop Ben Price at Airlie Beach.

This is an absolute scandal.

No cop should be allowed to resign to avoid punishment.

Consumer alert on scam phone calls

www.dynamicbusiness.com.au

Senator Conroy warns about scam phone calls

By David Olsen on Tuesday, 12 October 2010

Senator Stephen Conroy, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and
the Digital Economy is warning businesses about an increase in the
number of scam phone calls in Australia.

Queensland Police last month issued their own warning about scam phone
calls coming from people who told victims they were calling from
Microsoft or were working for another company on behalf of the
software giant to delete virus infections on peoples computers.

"People can protect themselves from scams by applying common sense
rules. If something being offered sounds too good to be true, it
probably is," Senator Conroy said.

Complaints about scam phone calls to the Australian Competition and
Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Communications and Media
Authority (ACMA) have spiked in the last few months, increasing 1000
percent from 200 to around 2,000 calls per month.

"If people are targeted by a scam telephone call they should never
disclose any personal or financial details and they should immediately
hang up the phone.

"I would also encourage people to report the scam so that the ACCC and
ACMA can investigate and take action against those responsible."

Senator Conroy said the ACCC and the ACMA were warning consumers about
scam telephone calls where callers:

advise that the person's computer is infected with a virus and request
credit card details to fix the problem
offer products, services or cash under fake government grants
seek bank details in order to process a bank fee refund or tax refund
offer to place the person's number on the Do Not Call Register for a fee
ask consumers, using a recorded message, to dial 9 for a 'free' holiday.

Consumer Warning: Beware of scammers offering 'guaranteed' Australian visas

SCAMwatch.gov.au

SCAMwatch and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) are warning people who wish to visit or migrate to Australia to be cautious of people offering 'guaranteed' Australian visas.

These scammers contact you out of the blue by post, email, or phone offering a visa in return for payments, personal details and identity documents. 

They may claim to be a 'registered provider' or 'Australian visa application service'.

Scammers may try to trick you into believing they are genuine by posing as staff from an Australian Government department, or by using websites which look like official Government sites.

Other migration scammers operate illegal, unregistered migration agent and advisor services.  In Australia migration agents must be registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Illegal operators often give incorrect advice, steal your money, encourage you to lie on your application and don't deliver the services promised.

Warning signs

You get an offer out of the blue for a 'guaranteed' Australian visa.

The offer comes via email, post, over the phone or on a website.

It claims to be a 'once in a lifetime opportunity', or your 'only' chance to travel or migrate to Australia.

You are asked to pay the scammer upfront to 'register' your interest in getting a visa. The scammer asks you to pay them directly rather than paying the government department and claims that only they can pay the department's fees.

The scammer claims to have a special relationship with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

They tell you they need to keep your original documents.

Remember

There is only one official Australian Government provider of visas - the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). DIAC's official website is www.immi.gov.au.

DIAC charges a one-off fee at the time you lodge your visa application. You can pay the fee directly to the department and do not require an agent to pay this fee on your behalf.

No one can influence the outcome of a visa application or the visa decision making process. Only authorised officers from DIAC can issue you with a visa and only if you meet all the visa requirements.

DIAC does not have any special relationships with outside agencies and doesn't give preferential treatment to anyone.

Protect yourself

Be suspicious if you are contacted by phone, post or email about a visa you did not apply for. Hang up immediately or ignore the email/letter! The Government does not contact people out of the blue offering.

If you wish to use a migration agent, check that they are registered on the Migration Agents Registration Authority website.

Never give or send anyone your original identity documents. Government departments may wish to view your original documents in person or may ask for certified photocopies but should never ask to keep your original documents.

Never provide your personal, credit card or banking details in an email or over the phone—scammers will use your details to commit identity fraud or steal your money.

If you think you have provided your bank account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

Report

You can report a scam to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.

You can report an unregistered immigration agent/advisor under "Unregistered Agent activities" on the DIAC Feedback form.

More information

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship provides further detailed information on how to Protect Yourself from Migration Fraud. They have also issued a media release on migration scams.

Channel 9 footage raises doubts about crocodile around Brisbane Airport as BAC spokesman "Crocodile" Jim Carden runs scared over possible crocodile attack

Channel Nine footage raises questions about
crocodile in waters around Brisbane Airport

TheSundayMail.com.au

THE mystery surrounding possible crocodile sightings in Brisbane waterways
has forced Brisbane Airport Corporation to erect warning signs.

None of the sightings around Schultz Canal and further down the Kedron Brook
Floodway have been confirmed, but the Department of Environment and Resource
Management is working with BAC to ensure staff are aware of the possibility
of a crocodile lurking around the airport's western boundary.

BAC spokesman Jim Carden said the company was taking all possible
precautions.

"While we recognise that the sightings have not been confirmed, we are
taking the reports very seriously, as there is an extensive network of
waterways that criss-cross the airport, and the species is known to be very
mobile," he said.

Mr Carden, who is also secretary of the Cribb Island Boardriders Club - a
social club for snow and water-sports enthusiasts living and working around
the airport - has warned members against using the mouth of the Kedron Brook
for off-season big wave training.

"Fortunately, the training occurs mostly in winter, but as a precaution, our
members will be avoiding the area for the next little while, and we advise
other recreational water-sports enthusiasts to do the same," he said.

"We also take the warnings seriously as the sightings have been reported in
areas that are relatively close to the newly constructed Airport taxi feeder
area."

DERM Director of Wildlife Nick Rigby said that the area had been extensively
surveyed by expert croc spotters and no evidence of a crocodile had been
found. "Despite reports of recent crocodile sightings in the Nudgee Beach
area, the department does not believe there is a crocodile in this area," he
said.

"It is likely that this is a case of mistaken identity and that observers
may have seen a shark, turtle or dugong," he said.

Mr Rigby said the two warning signs placed on BAC land were standard
procedure and they would be removed after seven days if no further sightings
were recorded.

On Friday, Parks and Wildlife rangers captured and removed a four-metre long
crocodile from the Herbert River, north of Townsville.

The crocodile was seen in a freshwater waterhole in the Lower Herbert and
was displaying threatening behaviour to people fishing in the area.

Parks and Wildlife Service Team Leader Scott Sullivan said the croc had been
brought to Townsville and will be relocated to a crocodile farm.

To report crocodile sightings or incidents, contact the DERM Hotline 1300
130 372.

Queensland Government's new code puts sweatshop bosses on notice

Media Release

Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations

The Honourable Cameron Dick

10/10/2010

Bligh Government's new code puts sweatshop bosses on notice

The Bligh Government is putting clothing sweatshop bosses on notice with the introduction of a mandatory code of practice to protect workers from exploitation.

Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick said the new code would help expose the notoriously convoluted contracting arrangements that have enabled some bosses to avoid their obligations to staff.

"Some of the employment arrangements for clothing outworkers - the people who sew our clothes - can be appalling," Mr Dick said.

"The pay and conditions for these workers, who are often women or young people, do not meet minimum obligations but some unscrupulous bosses use complex sub-contracting arrangements to exploit their staff.

"Troubling images of workers in these sweatshops are something we often associate with dodgy overseas operations but these workplaces can also be found in Queensland.

"The new code will introduce a new transparency by imposing mandatory reporting obligation s on all participants in the production chain.

"Everyone involved in producing clothing - including employers, suppliers, retailers and outworkers - will be formally identified.

"That will make it much easier to track down maverick employers who try to do the wrong thing and rip-off their outworkers."

Mr Dick said the new code would also protect good employers who comply with existing requirements because increased transparency would help level the competitive playing field.

"Most businesses in this industry in Queensland do the right thing, so they have nothing to fear from this code," Mr Dick said.

"In fact, they can be put at a commercial disadvantage by non-compliant operators who are undercut their competitors by avoiding their obligations."

The code will operate in conjunction with existing legislative and award protections and will apply to anyone not currently compliant with the national voluntary code.

Parties who have signed up to the national code will be exempt from the new code. An existing code of practice applies when contracting with the Queensland Government.

Mr Dick said Queensland's new mandatory code was consistent with those already adopted by New South Wales and South Australia.

"It is in workers' interests to provide consistency across state borders so unscrupulous employers can't simply relocate to avoid their obligations," he said.

The Queensland code was approved by the Governor-in-Council this week and will come into effect on 1 January 2011.

Queensland workers to be paid penalty rates for Christmas - New Year holidays

Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations

The Honourable Cameron Dick

07/10/2010

Christmas-New Year workers to be paid penalty rates

Employees who work on Christmas and New Year's Day this summer will be entitled to penalty rates as a result of new laws passed by State Parliament today.

Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick said the Holidays Amendment Act 2010 ensured that workers would receive fair compensation for having to sacrifice special time with family and friends this Christmas.

"While many workers enjoy public holidays over the Christmas-New Year period, some occupations are required to work through this period," Mr Dick said.

"For the inconvenience of being separated from their families, particularly on Christmas Day, workers are usually eligible to receive extra financial reward through penalty rates.

"But in the past, this benefit has been denied to workers when Christmas Day and New Year's Day have fallen on a Saturday.

"The legislation that has been put passed today by the Bligh Labor Government now means workers will get some financial reward for sacrificing special time with their families and friends.

"This legislation means that this summer, Queenslanders who have to work on these special days - and who are required to be away from their families - will get the penalty rates they deserve.

"Actual penalty rates will depend on the applicable awards and agreements, but public holidays typically attract payment at double time and a half.

"The new provisions will benefit employees in a range of services and industries, including health, emergency services, hospitality, accommodation, tourism, retail and mining."

Mr Dick said the new provisions brought Queensland into line with other states such as New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

.................................
COMMENT: This is a long overdue but very welcome decision in support of Queensland workers. Cameron Dick is fast proving himself Premier material!

Brisbane Airport Ticket Ripoff continues as BAC does nothing to solve the problem

BrisbaneTimes.com.Au

Translink says it is working with Airtrain operators to fix a pricing anomaly.

Brisbane train passengers travelling direct from suburban stations to
the airport pay up to $5.70 more than those who break their trip in
the city.

For example, commuters who travel from Varsity Lakes to Brisbane
Airport pay $30.40 on an adult Go Card.

However, those who touch off their cards at Central Station and change
trains pay just $24.70.

TransLink spokesman Andrew Berkman last night said they were working
with Airtrain, a private company that has run the airport route since
2001, to fix the "anomaly".

"It is just not good enough that people have to pay the higher fares,"

A Go Card trip from Cleveland directly to the airport costs $22.80, as
opposed to $19.60 if the passenger changes at Central.

From Ipswich to the airport is $23.40, but just $20 if the trip is broken up.

Mr Berkman said price variations were a problem right across the network.

"Hopefully we can get it rectified," he said.

Airtrain's share of fare revenue comes from journeys between Eagle
Junction station and the domestic and international terminal stations.

Airtrain signed a contract with the state government before the
rollout of the Go Card and receives no direct subsidy from the state.

Company chief executive Chris Basche did not answer questions
yesterday regarding fares and or the lack of airport train services
after 8pm.

Queensland's Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind said
yesterday Airtrain was not meeting the needs of international
passengers who needed public transport options.

Last night, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor provided a statement on the issue.

"I am happy to discuss the issue of adequate services for tourists
with Airtrain and Queensland Rail and if there is a need for trains to
run later," he said.

There are no public transport options to and from the airport after 8pm.

Mr Berkman said TransLink had no plans to run buses to and from the airport.

The airport's operator, Brisbane Airport Corporation, collects $2
every time a taxi collects passengers from the terminals.

BAC's Head of Corporate Relations Jim Carden said they would have "no
problem" if TransLink decided to run buses to the Brisbane Airport.

..........................................................................
COMMENT: The Brisbane Airport Corporation stands condemned for its
apparent inaction in getting seriously involved to solve this problem.
It is extraordinary that the BACs Head of Corporate Relations Jim
Carden simply states that the BAC would have "no problem" if buses
were rolled out to the Brisbane Airport. Is this what the BAC really
wants? What is its view on extending the rail service past 8.00pm.?
Jim Carden owes it to the travelling public to get in there and start
fighting for a better deal for commuters. Feeble mutterings about
having "no problem" about buses are no substitute for strong and
decisive leadership to get a better deal for travelers. Over to you
Jim.

Queensland Politics: Bligh orders MPs to pay for breach

QT.com.au

 

AS summer approaches and many Queensland families look at firing up the backyard grill insurers are urging the community to take some simple steps to stay safe Click here »

 

PREMIER Anna Bligh has ordered two of her ministers to pay $8500 out of their own pockets for a brochure that breached state government advertising guidelines.

 

The one-page pamphlet, which came to the government's attention from the opposition during question time on Wednesday, features the name and picture of the Labor Member for Inala, Annastacia Palaszczuk, promoting a southeast Queensland rail project.

 

Advertising guidelines say publicly-funded state government and opposition advertising must not foster a positive impression of a particular political party or promote party-political interests.

 

However, Ms Palaszczuk's picture takes up the entire right corner of the pamphlet, and information in the pamphlet is attributed to her in direct quotes.

 

The breach follows the government's recent rejection of an opposition application for a publicly funded advertisement.

 

Ms Bligh on Wednesday told reporters that the advertisement was an unacceptable breach of the guidelines.

 

"My view is that is a breach of the guidelines in the use of a photo of a member of parliament," she said.

 

"That then puts it in the realm of promoting, or arguably promoting, a vote of support for that person."

 

Ms Bligh said the advertisement was initially approved by the Transport Department.

 

It was then approved by a staffer in Transport Minister Rachel Nolan's office.

 

As a result, Ms Bligh has ordered Ms Nolan and Ms Palaszczuk pay back the $8500 cost to taxpayers out of their own pockets.

 

"I've made it clear that (the advertisement) no further be distributed and that it be withdrawn from the website," she said.

 

Opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek said the Bligh government had been caught red-handed using taxpayers' funds.

 

"The question is, how many more of these brochures are being done? How many other people are breaking the rules?" Mr Langbroek said.

 

"There should be a full audit across government."

Airtrain shame: filth greets Brisbane arrivals - What is BAC doing about it?

 

BrisbaneTimes.com.au

 

This is the sight that greeted visitors to Brisbane who caught the train from the airport on Saturday evening.

 

Commuters on the train - of which this reporter was one - said while messy, filthy conditions were reported as front page news from Delhi, in Brisbane it barely attracted shrugs from staff.

 

Fruit scraps, abandoned newspapers, tampons, junk food containers jammed into seats, beside seats, under seats, on seats and then strewn across the floor of the first five carriages.

 

Commuters were horrified at the extent of the grotty conditions and had to walk around the garbage to find somewhere to sit.

 

When Airtrain staff were alerted to the mess with the train still at Brisbane Airport, they neglected to do anything about it, saying the trains got cleaned in the city.

 

Zainaba Ali, a psychology lecturer from Toowong returning home from Sydney, slipped on banana skins over the entry way of the train.

 

"I am embarrassed because it is the first thing that people see when they come back from interstate or from overseas," she said.

 

After recovering from her fall, Ms Ali said the mess gave people a bad first impression of Brisbane.

 

"This is the first perception that people have and it is just not a good introduction to our city," she said.

 

"If you were in Delhi and this is what you see then there is a big hoo-ha. But here, it is always 'it's all-good'."

 

Businessman Steve Groves, returning to Brisbane from Yeppoon, was also embarrassed at the mess and had to choose carefully where he could sit.

 

"It is awful for people who are visiting our city and coming here for the very first time," he said.

 

"I think it gives a very poor image of the passengers who are doing it. It is just poor manners."

 

Airtrain is a privately-run company which uses Queensland Rail trains to run passenger services to Brisbane Airport.

 

Airtrain CEO Chris Brasche refused to be interviewed about the mess and would not answer how many people used the Airtrain on Saturday, or why the train was so untidy.

 

He thanked brisbanetimes.com.au for bringing the mess to his attention in a brief email.

 

"I will have the specific details of the train cleanliness on Saturday investigated," he wrote.

 

"Airtrain contract the train services to Queensland Rail and I have asked them to review this specific issue."

 

............................................................................................................................................................

COMMENT: Although not personally or directly responsible for this mess, the Brisbane Airport Corporation under the control of Jim Carden cannot stand idly by and allow this filth to greet our interstate and international visitors.  Jim Carden should immediately take all possible action to have this problem rectified and publicly announce what steps he has taken to improve the appearance of Brisbane Airport's commuter facilities. After all, the Airport is Jim's "baby" and as the "Mayor" of Brisbane Airport he has a moral, if not legal, responsibility to ensure that all aspects of the Airport and its facilities are always up to scratch.

 

 

Australian Immigration News: Online help for immigrants

 

Immigrants planning a move to Australia have been warned of scams that leave them broke and without a visa.

 

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has launched a new online tool to help keep potential immigrants on the right path.

 

"It is vital that people are aware of fraudsters' tricks before handing over money for immigration assistance which is never provided," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

 

The Protect Yourself from Migration Fraud information kit includes victims' stories, tips for staying safe online, help with identifying non-genuine websites and fake emails and links to other resources.

 

Mr Bowen said the most widespread scam involved online registration and the provision of a credit card number.

 

The new kit can be found at http://www.immi.gov.au/migration-fraud/

Greens call for tighter rules for banks on interest rates

THE Australian Greens have called for laws regulating banks to be strengthened to prevent customers being gouged by rate rises beyond moves by the Reserve Bank (RBA).

The RBA today left the cash rate on hold at 4.5 per cent.

It means monthly repayments on an average $300,000 standard variable home loan should remain at $2070.

But borrowers could actually still face a rise in their monthly repayments if retail banks, as expected, hike their mortgage rates.

The banks are continuing to argue the cost of obtaining funds in international markets has become more expensive, and that they must raise mortgage rates to protect profits.

The Greens have backed a warning from Treasurer Wayne Swan calling on the banks to not act independently, or use rises in the cash rate as an excuse to gouge customers, but say more should be done to protect borrowers.

Greens senator Christine Milne today rejected suggestions there was little the Government could do to control the banks.

Senator Milne said the Greens would work with Labor in an effort to have a range of measures introduced including scrapping the $2 fee on ATM use and capping exit fees on mortgage products.

But they also are now calling for it to be mandatory for banks to have at least one product which has a fixed gap between the costs to the financial institution of borrowing the money and the rate at which it lends it out.

"Banks are working in a regulatory environment," Senator Milne said.

"Governments have an opportunity to oversee and we want to make sure that yes the cost of borrowing money for banks is taken into account, but equally that there is not an opportunity to gouge as far as the community is concerned."

Earlier, Mr Swan said there was "absolutely no justification whatsoever" for retail banks to move over and above any decision taken by RBA.

"Their profits are very healthy. Their net interest margins are back to levels that we saw prior to the global financial crisis, and their impairment levels are coming down."
 
CourierMail.com.au

How online romances cost Melba and Paul more than their hearts

SCAMwatch.gov.au


Melba met a man online who claimed to be from South Africa. They struck up a relationship and she ended up sending the man $6,000 – her life savings. She never heard from him again and feels “used and abused” by the man she thought she loved.

Paul, a retired grazier from remote central Queensland, met a woman named ‘Selina’, from Ghana, through an online dating website. They struck up a relationship and Paul told Selina “everything”. Then one day Paul received a phone call from a man claiming to be Selina’s brother. The man told Paul that Selina had been hit by a car and had suffered a brain haemorrhage and he asked Paul for $1200 to cover the costs of the operation.

This contact continued for months and the scammers used Paul’s perceived relationship with Selina to convince him to help her village through gold refining and butter processing. Over this extended period of time, Paul gave Selina and her accomplices over $200,000. Of course none of Paul’s money ever reached the village. Paul says he is hurt that he couldn’t help the people of the village.

Find out more about online dating and romance scams and how to protect yourself from these scams.

Consumer Alert: ATM users at mercy of card skimmers

ATM users in Queensland are at increased risk of having their accounts stripped by international card-skimming scammers due to a failure to update outdated magnetic strip technology.

Detective Superintendent Colin Dyson of the NSW Fraud Squad told the 2010 National Identity Crime Symposium in Brisbane today tens of millions of dollars were lost in Australia each year as a result of card skimming scams.

Superintendent Dyson said that while most countries had moved to more secure ‘chip-and-pin’ technology, Australia’s failure to do so in ATMS left bank customers more vulnerable to card-skimming.

Advertisement: Story continues below“The chip is, in essence, a computer in itself and that talks to the ATM and if the conversation that the card has with the ATM is not correct, no transaction can be conducted,’’ Mr Dyson said.

‘‘No ATM in Australia is currently chip-and-pin enabled. It should have been rolled out by now.’’

Detective Superintendent Brian Hay, of the Queensland Fraud and Corporate Crime Group, said Australia had become a prime target for international ATM skimming gangs, and that it was only a matter of time before the scam appeared in Australia.

“They’re out there constantly looking for other ways to defeat the current systems,” Superintendent Hay said.

Although he could not say how prevalent ATM skimming already was in Queensland, Superintendent Hay said consumers should take precautions to protect themselves from fraudulent activity at the ATM.

“It should be part of your regular routine to examine your bank statements every month,” he said.

Australian Bankers' Association acting chief executive Ian Gilbert said chip-and-pin technology would be rolled out to ATMs within two or three years, while all outdated EFTPOS technology should be amended by 2014.

Mr Gilbert said banks guaranteed to return any money lost in card-skimming incidents.

BrisbaneTimes.com.au

New Queensland real estate laws simplify contracts process

Changes to real estate laws that streamline and simplify the residential real estate contract process come into effect tomorrow (1 October 2010).

Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor, said the changes to the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 would bring fairness to vendors without compromising the rights of buyers.

"Under the previous rules the process of delivering real estate contracts was very prescriptive," he said.

"Agents had to present the required warning statement, contract and other documents in a very specific order.

"As a result, some buyers were using technical breaches as small as a page being out of order when a contract was faxed, to terminate contracts."

Minister Lawlor said under the new rules the documents don't have to be in a strict order, but the warning statement must still be attached to the contract.

"This change will protect vendors from such technical breaches without compromising the right s of buyers," he said.

"Buyers will keep their vital protections and the right to a cooling off period, as well as the provision of important information in a warning statement from selling agents.

"The warning statement advises buyers of their cooling-off rights and that they should seek professional advice from lawyers, building inspectors and valuers before they finalise a contract.

"I also recommend that if a buyer is considering terminating a contract or exercising their cooling-off rights they seek independent legal advice."

Real Estate Institute of Queensland Managing Director Dan Molloy said the changes were a result of government and industry working together.

"This ensures the right legislation is in place to protect homeowners, whether they are buying or selling their property," he said.

"The amended legislation will restore much-needed certainty to the process without any reduction in the consumer protection objecti ves for buyers.

"Importantly this also will restore confidence among property sellers who at the end of the day are consumers too.

"The REIQ welcomes this much-needed reform and looks forward to working collaboratively with the government on future legislation."

The Office of Fair Trading's Property Smart booklet provides handy tips for people looking to buy residential real estate.

You can download this information from www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

For more information on your rights when buying or selling a house, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
30/09/2010

Queensland News

Katter, Ansett scammed by bogus Yellow Pages

Independent MP Bob Katter and businessman Bob Ansett have no idea how they came to be in a "Yellow Page" bogus directory, run by a group recently targeted by fraud squad police.

Yellow Pages spokesman Stephen Ronchi said last week a YellowPage website was "masquerading as Yellow Pages" including the company's walking fingers logo placed upside down.

The directory was a scam designed to entice people to sign up to one they thought was a "real" Yellow Pages directory, he said.

The group, called Yellow Publishing Ltd, operates online in Queensland and other states but has no physical office.

It faxes people asking them to sign up to YellowPage-Queensland.com directory or ones based in other states.

Registration costs $129 a month, payable a year in advance, and details requested include name, address, phone, fax,  email and website. 

''Payment is still required for the agreement term in the event that the customer chooses to remove their record from the directory,'' the fax said.

When potential customers try to go to the YellowPage-Queensland website they are redirected to  a site called Queensland-Directory.com, which lists many businesses.

The site claims to have 310,000,000 ''potential'' customers but most of the Queensland telephone numbers have 7 as the first digit in the listed phone numbers and cannot be connected when dialled.

Mr Ansett, a former car hire tycoon who runs a marketing business on the Sunshine Coast, said he had not given his permission nor paid for his entry in the directory.

"I presume they just got my business details out of the [Telstra] White Pages," he said.

A spokeswoman for Mr Katter's Mount Isa office said she could not remember having any dealings with the company and "certainly didn't pay any money".

Yellow Publishing claims to be based in Manchester, northern England, and Yellow Page Marketing claims to be based in the Netherlands and Spain.

 West Australian fraud squad detectives last month intercepted cheques worth more than $140,000 destined for the scammers who had demanded $1548 from each business for ''outstanding'' advertising that was never booked.

 Australian customs  intercepted a parcel that contained 57 envelopes addressed to an office in Perth, for the attention of the company running the scam (Yellow Page Marketing BV).

Workers in the office used by the scammers co-operated with West Australian Police and 1619 letters from YellowPage demanding money were seized.

The Major Fraud Squad officer-in-charge, Don Heise, said media outlets had received letters from the group's lawyers claiming that ''scam notices'' about the company were ''adversely affecting our client's [Yellow Page Marketing BV] business in Australia''.

Fairfax Media has received the legal letter of demand.

Mr Ronchi said Sensis,  owner of Yellow Pages,  had alerted the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, relevant government ministers and business groups.
 
He recommended people phone 13 23 78 if unsure about a fax's authenticity.

BrisbaneTimes.com.au

Just when you thought it was over - Harry Potter may raise his wand again!

Harry Potter may sparkle again - Rowling

J.K. Rowling, the best-selling author of the Harry Potter series, said she could imagine herself resurrecting her lucrative boy wizard, despite having officially penned his final adventures.

"I could definitely write an eighth, ninth and tenth," Rowling told US chat show host Oprah Winfrey on ABC television.

"I'm not going to say I won't. I don't think I will. I feel I am done, but you never know."

Rowling laid down her pen - and Harry's magic wand - when she finished the seventh book in 2007, with a stunning record of 400 million copies of the series sold around the world.

She told Winfrey of her difficulties in coming to terms with the end of the story that made her name and fortune.

"The end was huge. Like a bereavement. Although I knew it was coming - we all know the people we love are mortal, we know it's going to end - you can't prepare yourself for it. I was in a slight state of shock," she said.

But she will continue to write in some form, she said. "I literally can't stop. I have to do it."

CourierMail.com.au

Virgin set to return to troubled IT system: Will Jim Carden from the BAC allow democracy to prevail if things go wrong again?

CourierMail.com.au

VIRGIN Blue will return its troubled IT system next Wednesday but without many quick check-in services.

An IT glitch last Sunday sent the airline's computer system into meltdown, resulting in dozens of flights being cancelled.

Thousands of passengers were delayed on Sunday and Monday and many of them had to be put up in hotels overnight.

Virgin Blue customers faced more delays on Wednesday morning due to ongoing computer problems,

Virgin chief executive John Borghetti now says the company has an action plan to solve the IT problem.

"The initial problem with our primary operating system has been identified and solved,'' Mr Borghetti said.

"We are now making plans to revert to this system on Wednesday October 6.

However, there will be some changes for travellers checking in for travel on Wednesday.

They include online and telephone reservation services being unavailable from 9.00pm (AEDT) on Tuesday, October 5.

Check in for domestic flights will open two hours before the scheduled departure time on Wednesday and three hours for international flights.

Web check, Kiosk check-in and Check-mate will close at 8pm on Tuesday through to 5am on October 7.

Web check-in, kiosk check-in, check-mate and the lounge check-in will be unavailable all day on Wednesday.

But all flights will operate as planned, Virgin said.

 .........................................................................................................................
COMMENT: If things go wrong again, will Jim Carden, chief of the BAC be prepared to act in the interests of democracy and allow the media into the Brisbane Terminal or will he condone the gestapo-like tactics of the Australian Federal Police last week, when they forced the media out of the terminal?  Even though it might be embarrassing for Virgin Blue to be forced to undergo the gaze of television cameras, the Brisbane Airport Corporation has a duty to the people of Queensland and Australia to ensure that the true story is told.  Banishing the media is not the role of the AFP nor the BAC. At the end of the day, who runs the Brisbane Airport - Jim Carden or the AFP? Some might say, that is a very good question!

Consumer Warning: 'Hitman' email scam threatens to kill victims

SCAMwatch.gov.au

SCAMwatch and Victoria Police are warning Australians to beware of email death threats from scammers claiming to be 'hitmen' hired to kill the email recipient unless they send cash.

This scam has been around for a number of years. In 2008 SCAMwatch warned of an SMS 'hitman' scam and are now receiving reports of an email version of this scam.

The emails arrive out of the blue and often contain a variation of the following message: 'Someone paid me to kill you. If you want me to spare you, I'll give you two days to pay $xxxx. If you inform the police or anybody, you will die, I am monitoring you.'

The scammers will typically request a sum of money and may also ask you for your personal details.

If you receive this scam email, do not respond—these emails are often sent at random, so scammers won’t know if they have reached a live email address until the recipient responds. Ignore any requests for your personal details as it may lead to the theft of your identity.

If you are concerned for your safety, contact the police.

Protect yourself

• Do NOT respond to emails—if you do, the scammers will escalate their intimidation and attempts to get your money.
• Never provide your personal, credit card or banking details in an email or over the phone—scammers will use your details to commit identity fraud or steal your money.
• Keep your computer updated with the latest reputable anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Also use a good spam filter and firewall.
• If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

Report

You can report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995. Noting the email text and the address of the sender may assist in any investigations of the scam.
Should you ever be concerned about your physical safety, contact your local police.

More information

For more information about how you can protect yourself, check out the Requests for your account information ('phishing' scams) page on SCAMwatch.
Victoria Police have also issued a media release on the scam.

Scam Alerts: Go to SCAMwatch

The ACCC maintains SCAMwatch to inform Australians of the latest rorts, ripoffs, scams and underhand practices affecting consumers.

You can connect to SCAMwatch at:

www.SCAMwatch.gov.au

SCAMatch Warning: Mystery shopper jobs scam

SCAMwatch.gov.au

SCAMwatch and South Australian Police are warning Australian job hunters to be wary of a mystery shopper job scam.

If you see a mystery shopper job ad in the employment section of your local newspaper be wary, it may be a scam.

Applicants are asked to send their CV to an overseas e-mail address, often in the UK. After doing so, they are sent American Express travellers' cheques in U.S. dollars, European dollars, or British pounds. Similar scams may also involve bank cheques or money orders.

The cheques, which are often forgeries, will be for a round sum of money such as $1000 or $2000.

Recruits are told to cash the cheques at financial institutions and take a percentage as a wage or commission. They are then asked to transfer the remaining cash overseas.

If you have replied to a mystery shopper job scam and have been sent travellers cheques, do NOT cash them as you may be committing an offence. If you get further emails from the scammer pressuring you to cash the cheques don't respond. Delete their emails.

SCAMwatch has also received reports of this scam being initiated by spam email.

Protect yourself

• Offers that involve transferring money for someone you don't know are nearly always a scam—never agree to them.
• Don't trust the legitimacy of a job ad just because it appears in a reputable newspaper or job website—scammers often use these media.
• If you aren't sure whether an ad is authentic, do an internet search using the exact wording in the ad. Many well-known scams can be found this way.
• Do not respond to the ad, if you receive cheques and cash them you may be committing an offence such as money laundering.
• Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes: the only people who make money are the scammers.

Consumer alert: How to survive the scam season

GladstoneObserver.com.au

IT is scam season – and Queenslanders need to be on a constant look-out for fraudulent emails and phone calls in coming months.

Gladstone Police are urging the community to be aware of phone and email scams that are circulating at the moment.

With recent reports of scams going around it is now vital to protect and educate yourself about the hidden dangers.

Police have said that now is the time to be on the lookout.

"Don't give out personal or bank details over the phone or internet," they said.

"You also need to ensure that you don't let anybody remotely access your computer."

Fair Trading minister Peter Lawlor is warning Queenslanders about a phone scam currently involving the impersonations of Fair Trading officers.

"The scammers are targeting bank customers and claiming they are from the Office of Fair Trading," Mr Lawlor said.

"People who fall victim to scams have very little chance of getting their money back."

The Queensland Police Service website is full of information on how to protect and identify scams and the do's and don'ts when dealing with a scam artist either over the phone, in person and on the internet.

For more information about scams, visit www.police.qld.gov.au or call Policelink on 131 444.

Consumer Warning: Middle-aged fools for love in online scams

SMH.com.au

Cyber criminals are intensifying their efforts to dupe people via social networking sites, police say.

"A classic example is romance sites," said Detective Superintendent Brian Hay, head of the Queensland Police Service Fraud and Corporate Crime Group.

Three years ago romance fraud accounted for 7 per cent of fraudulent activity sourced from Nigeria, now it's 70 per cent.

"They just slipped across and started targeting romance people," Det Supt Hay said.

"You just think of how many people are lonely, looking for a little bit of companionship."

This isn't the domain of the young and naive, but mainly with the huge number of people over aged 45 who have belatedly joined social networking sites.

Dept Supt Hay said people looking for love tend to place a lot of information about themselves out there as they seek a compatible partner.

Based on those personal details, cyber criminals can then create a desirable character to match.

"I can create the perfect persona that you're looking for because you've told me what you want," Det Supt Hay said.

"It's another way people are putting a bit too much information out there."

Having created the desired attractive presence, the criminals take people into their confidence.

"The bizarre thing with the internet is they can fast-track a relationship a hundredfold.

"They can build up this relationship, this emotional bond, within days sometimes, whereas it would normally take months.

"All of sudden we're talking about how much we love each other, and next thing you get a phone call or a text message from a hospital.

"The text will inform you there's been an accident and only you can save them by sending $20,000 to $50,000 immediately for life-saving surgery.

"People part with it," Det Supt Hay said.

In the past Australians have lost tens of thousands of dollars to scams preying on their personal vulnerabilities.

A female victim lost thousands of dollars and was left waiting at the airport after she sent money to a man she met on a web-based matchfinder.

In other scams the fraudsters ask for money once a relationship has begun to buy an airline ticket to visit the victim, seal a business deal, pay for medical expenses after an accident, or to help them after a robbery or because of corrupt officials.

In 2007 a South Australian sheep farmer who fell for such a scam was held hostage in Mali for 12 days and beaten with a machete by his captors, who demanded a $100,000 ransom.

Many other cases of romance scams are never reported by victims who are too embarrassed to contact authorities.

They fought the law - and they won: Brisbane City Council slammed by Queensland Ombudsman

BrisbaneTimes.com.au

Parking fines are among penalties overturned by the Queensland Ombudsman.

Queenslanders have successfully challenged parking fines, toll road fines, pensioner rebate decisions and development fee bills after complaining to a higher authority.

The Queensland Ombudsman's latest annual report provides an insight into the battles ordinary members of the public face when they contest decisions made by councils, state agencies and universities.

In one case outlined in yesterday's report, a woman wrongly issued with a parking fine eventually had her Brisbane City Council ticket waived – but only after seeking higher intervention.

The woman had received a fine for parking on a section of road marked with a no-standing yellow kerb line, but insisted she had in fact complied with a one-hour parking sign at the site.

The report said the council's disputes commissioner rejected her plea after a visit to the location failed to find evidence of the contradictory sign.

The woman then sought help from the Ombudsman, handing over a photo she took when she returned to her vehicle and found the fine showing she was telling the truth about the sign.

The Ombudsman discovered the base of a post was embedded in concrete at the location shown in the photo, which suggested the sign had been removed after the picture was taken.

It turned out that council officers had painted the yellow line on the morning the fine was issued, but the one-hour parking sign wasn't removed until two days later, the report said.

The disputes commissioner subsequently waived the fine and apologised to the woman involved.

In another case documented yesterday, a motorist escaped handing over $280 in fines following her failure to pay motorway tolls.

The woman said she had an account with Queensland Motorways and her e-toll transponder was in the car when she used the toll roads, but her account's auto-top-up feature wasn't working because her credit card had expired and a new one was issued.

She contacted Queensland Motorways in February 2009 to update her details and pay outstanding fines after receiving four infringement notices for non-payment of tolls.

However, the report said she was not told about two other non-payments dating back to December 2008, and six months after updating her details was issued with those infringement notices from the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The Queensland Ombudsman's report said that as a result of its enquiries, the department's prosecution unit decided to waive the infringement notices totalling $280 because the woman had attempted to comply with other notices of demand before the infringement notices were issued.

The report also outlined the case of a pensioner couple who realised they had been receiving only a part-pensioner discount on their Redland City Council rates for the previous nine years, even though they had been eligible for a full-pension remission since 2001.

The couple complained to the Ombudsman after the council initially refused a request to back-date the difference in the pensioner remission amounts, prompting a change of heart.

The report also documented how $20,000 was wrongly confiscated from a prisoner by Queensland Corrective Services as compensation to an alleged victim of crime.

However, the prisoner's name had been placed on a Department of Justice and Attorney-General spreadsheet in error and he did not owe any debt to any victim of crime. The transfer was later reversed.

The Ombudsman said it had received 953 complaints about Queensland Corrective Services and 190 complaints about the Queensland Parole Board. Grievances included concerns about prisoner safety as part of planned transfers to other jails.

As reported yesterday, the number of people complaining about Queensland public sector bodies surged over the past year.

The Ombudsman, which has the power to investigate complaints involving councils, state government agencies and universities, received 8,717 formal complaints within its responsibility last financial year – up 17 per cent from the year before.

The Ombudsman specifically identified "maladministration" in 33 of the nearly 500 complaints about councils it investigated last financial year.

Formal complaints against universities had risen 132 per cent over the past three years, from 113 such grievances to 262 last financial year.

The Ombudsman reported an 86 per cent rise in complaints about Legal Aid Queensland, the majority of which were about the refusal to grant legal aid.

The report said new legal aid guidelines imposed on January 1, triggered by a reduction in funding following the global financial crisis, restricted eligibility.

Grazier may face $166,500 fine for illegal vegetation clearing

QT.com.au

Liam Butterworth | 1st October 2010

A PROSECUTOR has asked a Rockhampton magistrate to impose at least a $120,000 fine on a Dingo grazier who cleared endangered vegetation on his land.

Reginald Edward Draper, 42, contracted a man to clear vegetation off his property, Orange Grove, between April and July last year.

He pleaded guilty in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court to carrying out a development on his property without a permit.

Prosecutor Ralph Devlin, representing Robert Black from the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), has asked Magistrate John McGrath to set a fine of between $120,000 and $130,000 for the offence.

The maximum fine is $166,500.

But Draper's barrister Phillip Sheridan said the clearing was an unfortunate error as he had strayed into the endangered vegetation while clearing other land nearby.

He said a large fine would cause him "extreme financial hardship".

Among the land cleared was 226 hectares of endangered vegetation, which included brigalow trees.

Mr Devlin told the court an expert report showed "the clearing has had a significant adverse impact on regional ecosystems in the area".

DERM began investigating Draper after receiving a tip-off on July 2, 2009 and subsequent investigations using satellite imaging showed that land had been cleared from April 30.

Mr Devlin said Draper told a contractor he had a permit to clear the land.

The magistrate has adjourned the sentencing to a date to be fixed.

Queenslanders stung by Microsoft scam

www.zdnet.com.au
By Colin Ho

Queensland Police has warned of a surge in fake Microsoft phone scams
targeting home computer users in

The scam occurs via a phone call from a person claiming to represent a
well-known computer company, commonly associated with Microsoft, who
claims the victim's computer is infected by a virus and offers a fix.

The victim is then directed to a website that enables the scammer to
control the victim's computer and cause fake problems to appear, which
can be rectified for a fee, or with a software purchase.

Fraud and corporate crime group detective superintendent Brian Hay
said attackers will also load malware or trojans onto the victim's
computer.

"This is all just a scam. Microsoft has confirmed they are not
cold-calling members of the community regarding viruses, computer
problems or any other issue," Hay said.

"Quite simply, these offenders are just looking to trick you into
giving them money."

"Giving someone you don't know remote access to your computer is
basically the same as handing your credit card details over to them,"
Hay said, adding that scammers could easily steal banking and personal
details from a victim's computer.

Consumer Warning: Watch out for scammers posing as Fair Trading officers

Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
01/10/2010

Queenslanders are being warned about scammers posing as a government representative saying they can get back money for overcharged bank fees.

Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said there had been reports of Queenslanders receiving calls from people saying they were from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) or other government regulatory bodies and offering a reimbursement on bank charges.

"The scammers are targeting bank customers and claiming they are from the OFT," Mr Lawlor said.

"To engage the consumer the scammers makes reference to a possible class action suit against a bank," he said.

"If you are unsure you are speaking with an officer of the OFT, hang up and call the official number on 13 QGOV (13 74 68)."

"Since 1 January 2010, OFT has logged 71 complaints about people representing themselves as officers of the OFT offering refunds or payments.

"Impersonating a Fair Trading officer is a serious matter and carries a maximum penalty of $10,000."

Mr Lawlor reminded Queenslanders that offers that sounded too good to be true often were.

"If you are called by these people, you should hang up immediately-do not give out your bank details, do not send them money."

"People who fall victim to scams have very little chance of getting their money back.

For more information about scams visit www.SCAMwatch.gov.au or to lodge a complaint visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 74 68.

Idiotic plan to fingerprint all poker machine players across Australia

The problems of poker machine addicts are well-known and all genuine attempts to curtail people's serious gambling addictions will be welcomed by all decent Australians.

But the hare-brained plan by the newly-elected Tasmanian Independent MP Andrew Wilkie to fingerprint every poker machine player in Australia is one of the most-idiotic proposals ever made by a serving politician - possibly anywhere in the world.

Mr Wilkie previously served as a Federal Government Intelligence Analyst but he is not displaying any intelligence on this issue.

Just imagine every patron of RSL's, sporting clubs and hotels around Australia facing mandatory fingerprinting before they could enter the premises or play the pokies.

Eighty-year old grandmas having their weekly flutter at their local club would be treated like common criminals under the Wilkie fingerprint plan.

What planet is Mr Wilkie on?

Somewhere beyond Pluto it would seem.

Another disgraceful abuse of power by AFP and BAC at Brisbane Airport

Virgin Blue blames media ban on Australian Federal Police

By David Olsen on Wednesday, 29 September 2010


Virgin Blue has denied banning the media from terminals this morning, instead blaming the Australian Federal Police after the airline’s check in systems crashed again this morning according to the ABC.

Virgin Blue’s check in system crashed again nationwide this morning between 5:10am and 7:00am AEST, just as the airline finished boarding passengers stranded by the failure of Virgin Blue’s Navitaire supplied IT systems on Sunday.

This morning as with Sunday when Virgin Blue’s computer computer systems failed, Virgin had to switch to a manual check-in process that just could not handle the number of passengers travelling around Australia & New Zealand, particularly since the school holidays are now underway in many states.

This morningDJd in manually. Earlier reports had attributed the media ban to Virgin Blue hoping to keep a lid on the chaos in the press, however Virgin Blue have commented

According to the latest information from Virgin Blue, their check in systems are operational again, but there are some limited flight delays attributed to this morning’s system problems.

Businesses travelling with the airline are urged to check the Virgin Blue website for up to the minute information on flight delays.

........................
Queensland Consumer Watch spokesman Paul Tully described the media ban at Brisbane Airport as as "the most tightly-controlled airport in Australia where the rights of media outlets to report the news to the people of Australia is run like a totalitarian regime".

"This is a national disgrace and the Brisbane Airport Corporation under the day-to-day control of Jim Carden should hang their collective heads in shame over this outrageous action by the AFP.

"Who is running the Brisbane Airport - Jim Carden or the buffoons from the Australian Federal Police.

"The standard practice seems to be to exclude the media from the airport at the first sign of any embarrassing coverage.

"Jim Carden needs to step in and show some real leadership on this issue to avoid any suggestion that the media control at Brisbane Airport ranks as the most-embarrassing in Australia."